January 6 | Isabelle Panza
The Power of Monthly Giving: A Lifeline Through Every Season
Winter on Long Island isn’t just cold—it’s a season of hard choices for families already struggling to get by. With average highs around 36.5°F and heating costs in the Northeast expected to rise by 13.6% this year (CNN), the strain on household budgets becomes overwhelming. For families living paycheck to paycheck, the colder months often bring impossible decisions: food or rent, warmth or medication, car payments or hot water. Imagine a father working full-time, barely making ends meet, now grappling with the heartbreaking choice between heating his home and feeding his family.
Food insecurity surges during winter as budgets are stretched thin by heating bills and other essential expenses. For many, their only hope is a local food bank—like Long Island Cares—that provides vital support during the coldest months. But the need doesn’t stop when the temperature rises.
Summer: A Time When Children Need Us More Than Ever
As the seasons shift, summer brings new challenges. With kids out of school, many families lose access to free or reduced-price school meals. Parents who were already struggling to put food on the table now face the added pressure of providing three full meals a day for their children. This is when Long Island Cares steps in to fill the gap—ensuring children don’t face hunger when school is out. But we can’t do it without your help.
Fall: A Season of Family and Celebration
As fall sets in and the holiday season approaches, families are looking forward to celebrating their traditions. However, for those already facing food insecurity, the holidays can bring added stress. Many families rely on us to ensure they can celebrate the holidays with a meal on the table, whether it’s Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, or other cultural and religious traditions. Your ongoing support ensures that families can gather together and celebrate, knowing they won’t have to choose between holiday meals and other necessities.
How Monthly Giving Supports Families Year-Round
This is where monthly giving makes a profound impact. When you give monthly, you’re doing more than just making a donation—you’re creating a steady, reliable stream of support that allows us to meet the evolving needs of our community, no matter the season. Every month, families in need depend on us, and even more importantly, they rely on YOU.
By becoming a monthly donor, you help provide food and resources when it’s needed most. Your $10 a month—less than the average lunch in America—provides 72 meals to someone in need. Whether it’s the bitter cold of winter, the summer months when kids are home, or the stress of the fall holiday season, your donation ensures families always have the support they need.
Join us today as a monthly donor and be part of a dedicated group of neighbors transforming lives, one meal at a time. Your ongoing support builds a stronger, more resilient Long Island, where no family has to choose between heating their home and feeding their children, celebrating their traditions, or simply getting through the day.